The effect of physical violence on female domestic workers in Tanzania:a study of Ilala municipality in Dar es salaam
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Date
2015
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of physical violence on female domestic workers in Ilala Municipality. The specific objectives of the study were to; find the personal characteristics of female domestic workers, describe the various forms of physical violence perpetrated against female domestic workers, analyze the factors that lead to the subjection of female domestic workers to physical violence, determine the effect of physical violence on the female domestic workers, and examine actions/steps taken to reduce the prevalence of physical violence on female domestic workers. The study generated data through questionnaires, semi structured interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 104 participants that included female domestic workers, their employers and employees of the organizations. Female domestic workers were purposively sampled and also through snow ball sampling. Employers of the female domestic workers were conveniently sampled and lastly, employees of the organization were purposively sampled. Data were analyzed qualitatively through content analysis and quantitatively with the help of SPSS version 20 soft ware. The study findings showed that most female domestic workers were between 15-29 years, with limited or no formal education. It also revealed that most female domestic workers came from Iringa, Dodoma and Kilimanjaro with most of them being single relationship wise. Regarding the forms of physical violence, it was found that female domestic workers were mostly beaten, hit and pushed by their employers. They were also sexually abused as they had their genitals touched and were also forced into having sexual intercourse by their employers. The main factors that led to the physical violence against female domestic workers included the individual behaviour of the employer and the influence of alcohol. With regard to the effect that physical violence had on the female domestic workers, the findings showed that female domestic workers were depressed, performed below their potential and developed low self esteem after the violence. Regarding the actions that should be taken to curb physical violence against female domestic workers, the findings revealed that employers who physically abuse their female domestic workers should be educated on human rights and that they should also be arrested and jailed. The study recommends that the government should also consider additional measures to ensure the effective protection of female domestic workers’ rights, securing access of do
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (HS EAD HV6626.T34A253 )
Keywords
Family violence, Psychological aspects, Ilala municipality, Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania
Citation
Achom, A(2015) The effect of physical violence on female domestic workers in Tanzania:a study of Ilala municipality in Dar es salaam.Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.